The world will be change in appearance and content once the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic comes to an end, former Minister of Communications Hani Mahmoud has said.
Mahmoud’s comments came during a meeting held by the Etisal Foundation that included over 60 heads of international and local companies.
Mahmoud, who is now Chairperson of Vodafone Egypt, emphasised the need to develop flexible and resilient plans, as life returns to Egypt’s street after the Eid Al-Fitr holiday.
He added that the shape of the world before the spread of the coronavirus will differ in form and content from what comes next.
Mahmoud noted that human resource management at most companies, especially in the information technology and communications (ICT) sector, will be the most affected by the new reality following the pandemic. This is especially in light of the surge in unemployment and fears of staff reductions and layoffs that have occurred in the past few months.
The former minister explained that the coronavirus crisis is an unprecedented occurrence in human history. He called on company owners to undertake all precautionary and preventive measures whilst thinking outside the box to develop alternative plans.
He stressed the need to maintain trained employees as the true wealth of companies, especially as the pandemic may continue for at least two years until a vaccine is discovered.
Mahmoud also called for the opening of direct communication channels with employees and the launch of a hotline for employee queries on the coronavirus to be answered.
